Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve made the decision to invest in flooring for your Perth home, you may want to know more about how to choose the right product, how it’s installed and how to keep it looking like new.

The friendly and professional team at Perth’s Floors of Distinction can answer all your questions and help you chose the right wood surface from solid timber, laminate and bamboo flooring to contemporary engineered timber floors and more.

Read through some of our frequently asked questions as a starting point and then visit our Perth display centre, located in Bibra Lake, or call us for detailed answers to your specific questions.

Wood Flooring Selection and Installation

Do you have any do-it-yourself wood flooring products?

Yes. While we always recommend our professional installation service to get the best results, if you’re a builder or confident DIY renovator we’ve got a range of products and can offer advice to make your project a success. Ask about our DIY products including solid wood boards (tongue and groove), timber decking, click together prefinished timber flooring, glues, cleaning agents and more.

How long does it take to order timber flooring in Perth?

This will depend on the type of timber floors you choose. In general, the lead time is between two to four weeks and longer for timber stairs. Once we know the details of your project, we can advise timeframes.

Can I see samples before choosing?

Yes. We invite you to see, feel and walk on samples of our comprehensive wood flooring range at one of the largest timber flooring display centres in Perth. We have two big showrooms, including one dedicated to prefinished and engineered timber floors. We look forward to welcoming you in store.

I want timber floors in my home, what type should I buy?

There is a lot to consider when choosing timber floors for your home. More than just looks, options such as species, hardness, finish, maintenance, budget, and the type of foot traffic the surface will be subject to can all factor into your decision. It’s important to understand the options to find the right timber floors. You can rely on the experienced team at Floors of Distinction to make the selection process easy. Read about our:

Visit our display centre to see and feel samples and get specific information for your building or renovation project.

What’s the difference between raw (unfinished) and prefinished boards?

All timber floors have a finish applied to protect against damage, wear, moisture and stains while enhancing the natural characteristics of the wood.

Raw or unfinished boards are installed in their natural state with sanding, staining and finishing all done on site, after installation. This includes the option of getting a water based finished. The finished surface requires a settling and drying period.

Prefinished timber flooring has its protective coating applied during manufacture, so boards arrive already sanded and finished, ready for installation. Once installed, there’s no drying time required and floors are ready to walk on.

Can you arrange installers for my timber floors?

Yes. We are responsible for installation and do not outsource to contractors. Our timber floor installers and sanders have extensive commercial and residential experience. We have teams available to work both north and south of the river and outer metropolitan areas. Managing our own timber floor teams means we can better accommodate your project timeframe.

How are timber floors installed?

Depending on the type of boards, our installation methods are:

Direct stick – Boards are glued directly to the concrete subfloor after a moisture barrier is applied. Solid timber, engineered and some bamboo flooring can be installed using this method.

Plank on ply – Primarily used for traditional solid timber or hardwood flooring, this method entails laying plywood sheets first and then nailing and gluing boards to it. This method is recommended for wider boards and is also beneficial for:

Providing stability and reducing board movement

Protecting boards from moisture in the concrete floor

Levelling uneven concrete

Preventing buckling

Floated – Boards are not glued to the floor but sit on a foam underlay. The boards are said to ‘float’ on the underlay and are fixed together with glue (tongue and groove joins) or in a click lock (no glue) assembly. These boards may be easily removed and replaced if required. This is a popular DIY installation method.

We can advise on the best installation method for your board choice and site conditions.

How long before I can walk on my new wood flooring?

This will depend on what kind of surface is being installed. Prefinished timber flooring can be walked on immediately after installation.

For raw boards finished onsite, typically 24 hours after the last finishing coat is applied your floors should be dry enough to walk on in socks. Although dry, the finish will still be soft so we recommended allowing four days for curing before placing furniture and two weeks before placing any rugs.

Do timber floors require a lot of maintenance?

No. However we offer a few cleaning and maintenance tips to ensure your floor remains in its best possible condition.

Sweep or vacuum your floor regularly

Use a soft bristle broom or static mop to keep the floor clean

Use a rug or mats in high traffic areas such as room entries, passages and work areas

Where possible drape or shade large windows

Keep pets’ nails trimmed, paws clean and free from dirt

Do not slide or roll heavy objects directly on your timber floors.

Avoid stilettos or spike heeled shoes on your floor

Protect from scratches by using felt pads under the legs of all movable furniture and by the use of mats at entrances to minimise dirt and moisture from being tracked inside.

Do not use rugs and mats with solid rubber or vinyl backing

Can I use a steam mop to clean wood flooring?

No. Never use a steam mop or any industrial cleaning machine on your floor. Use a damp mop only and never poor water directly onto the wood. Do not use cleaning products such as oil soaps, waxes or other abrasive household cleaners and do not scrub or use steel wool. Special wood cleaning products are available, but should only be used occasionally if required.

How often will I need to resurface my solid hardwood flooring?

Solid hardwood flooring can be refreshed with a recoat (depending on wear), or re-sanded and polished every 8 to 10 years. However, the frequency will depend on factors such as the quality and type of boards installed and the amount of foot traffic exposure. Generally, a dull or worn appearance in the wood is a good indicator that recoating or re-sanding may be needed. Ask us for a quote on recoating, or re-sanding and polishing for your solid timber or engineered flooring.

Timber Flooring Specialists

Where are you located?

We are conveniently located in the southern Perth suburb of Bibra Lake. Visit our display centre today.

How can I find out more?

Call in to our display centre and talk to our friendly and professional staff, call us on 08 9418 4333 or submit an online enquiry.